Religion/Churches

It's back! Highline Christian Church is about to be transformed into "Bethlehem," as in the lyrics, "Oh little town of Bethlehem...."

The church will soon unwrap and present its gift to the Highline area.

No peeking though, until Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, for these are the dates of the annual Outdoor Living Nativity.

Due to the expansion and construction of the new church sanctuary, the living nativity was not presented last year.

12/01/2008

As part of a county-wide movement to encourage local, sustainable holiday celebrations this year, SoCoCulture.org, the South King County Cultural Coalition, has joined King County Executive Ron Sims and the mayors of several south county cities in issuing proclamations to "Buy and Celebrate Locally."

"Even in these challenging economic times, people still want to celebrate the holidays, and many of our local performing arts organizations have really wonderful festivities," said Linda Petersen, SoCoCulture chairwoman, pointing out that in Burien a

12/01/2008

Scrooge (John Mallory) gets a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present (Eric Hamlin) in Burien Little Theatre's production of "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol." The play is one of several productions in Highline this holiday season. Burien Little Theatre photo

For many of us, an enduring image will be that of the auto executives who flew in their corporate jets to Washington, D.C., seeking financial aid, only to be asked, "Couldn't you at least have downgraded to first class?"

I've been asking myself the same question as, like many, I've watched my nest-egg dwindle faster than I can spend it.

It's crazy to live alone in an 80-year-old, high-maintenance, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with additional guest house - and third bathroom.

I chafed at the irony last Tuesday when I attended a meeting about the problems of

12/01/2008

On any given Friday night you will find the front door open at the Schwartz's Admiral home. As the sun begins to set men gather in the basement with Rabbi Ephriam Schwartz, where he leads them in prayers and songs together. They have each covered their heads and are formally dressed. Even Schwartz's 10-year-old son Yonah wears a suit and tie.

Upstairs in the kitchen joining his wife Aliza, a group of women, some in long, dark dresses have set the table with twice as many places as there are guests. It would be an odd occurrence if someone did not drop in during the meal.

11/24/2008

Photo credit:

Photo by Steve Shay

HIS HOME IS HIS TEMPLE. Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz tutors his son Yonah, 10, while co-rabbi David Freedman prepares a lesson.

The annual holiday tree lighting for the Burien Highline Foodbank will take place Saturday December 6th in Seahurst from 7-9 p.m. More than 500 people attend the event with admission being a can or package of food. The tree stands in Sal Dena's front yard at 14459 24th SW. Several area churches participate with a featured presentation from Highline Christian Church Pastor Tim Knight this year. Music, cookies, cider and a warm fire will highlight the evening. Pictured are Sal Dena in Santa cap and Mike Werle, manager of the Burien-Highline Foodbank, located at 18300 4th Ave S. Staff Photo.

11/19/2008

Your help More Than Ever

The annual holiday tree lighting for the Burien Highline Foodbank will take place Saturday December 6th in Seahurst from 7-9 p.m. More than 500 people attend the event with admission being a can or package of food. The tree stands in Sal Dena's front yard at 14459 24th SW. Several area churches participate with a featured presentation from Highline Christian Church Pastor Tim Knight this year. Music, cookies, cider and a warm fire will highlight the evening.

11/18/2008

As the first of what might become a monthly event, six residents of Providence Mount St. Vincent made sandwiches for Seattle's Union Gospel Mission that serves the needs of the greater Seattle community, especially the homeless.

The idea was the brainchild of resident Chuck Dambrosio, 76. He previously made and donated sandwiches with St. James Cathedral Parish in the First Hill neighborhood for about a year prior to living at the Mount.

"You don't have to believe in Christ," said Dambrosio.

11/17/2008

Photo credit:

Photo by Eileen McCloskey

SANDWICHES FOR THE HOMELESS. Residents of Providence Mount St. Vincent, Regina Law and Chuck Dambrosio took part in making sandwiches that were donated to Seattle's Union Gospel Mission. This group volunteer activity that was inspired by Dambrosio, will become a monthly routine for them.

Roberta Roland Weeks was two years old in 1928 when "You're the Cream in My Coffee" became a hit. Its lyric "You're the sail of my love boat, you're the captain and crew" may sum up the sentiment of those who remember and loved her.

Roberta, or "Bert," as she was affectionately called, died October 29 of cancer. Her husband Ben, who died in 1987, helped establish Leckenby Steel, founded on Harbor Island by William S. Leckenby who later served in the State House of Representatives.

11/17/2008

ROBERTA ON THE "ROBERTA." Ben and Roberta Roland Weeks on their Valiant 40 sailboat, the "Roberta." Roberta Weeks, community activist and mother of six, died recently.

The "No Change to Park" campaign was present and large at the 'public workshop' for California Place Park. Steve Shay numbered the attendance at 80 when, in fact, it was closer to 100. The proponents who spoke for No Change outnumbered the playground supporters 3 to 1. Again, Shay states the $15,000 will install a "Playscape" on the site. This is not the case, as the $15,000 is for promotion and design only.

Ann Limbaugh states the playground supporters have a mailing list of 200.

11/17/2008

When all kids could explore the area

By Paul Davison

My parents purchased their second home in West Seattle in 1952 when the plots of land were still called little city farms. That's what they were back then, too. Most of the homes on our block were built around the same time, and all of the families that moved in had children. My older brother was four years old and he would start kindergarten the next fall. I came along five years later in 1957. Our parents told us they chose that neighborhood because it was close to the schools: E.C.

11/17/2008

P.E. AT E.C. HUGHES. This was one of the events at P.E. when Paul Davison started kindergarten at E.C. Hughes Elementary the fall of 1963. His birthday was a few days after Labor Day; it always fell right after the first day of school.